Electronics & IT Hardware Exports from India

Industry Overview

India's electronics manufacturing sector has undergone a dramatic transformation. From a net importer just a decade ago, India now exports over $29.1 billion worth of electronics and IT hardware annually (FY 2025-26), making it one of the fastest-growing export categories. The government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, combined with the global China-plus-one diversification strategy, has attracted major OEMs and contract manufacturers to set up and expand operations in India.

Mobile phones alone account for over 5 billion of this total, with Apple's contract manufacturers (Foxconn, Pegatron, Tata Electronics) driving a significant share. But the sector is far broader than smartphones.

Key Subsectors

Major Manufacturing Hubs

• Noida / Greater Noida. Largest cluster for mobile phone assembly (Samsung, OPPO, Vivo, Lava, Dixon); PCB and EMS facilities
• Chennai / Sriperumbudur. Foxconn, Pegatron, Tata Electronics (Apple iPhone assembly); Dell, Flextronics
• Bangalore. Semiconductor design, aerospace electronics, R&D centres (Texas Instruments, Intel, Bosch)
• Hyderabad. Foxconn iPhone facility, electronic manufacturing clusters, medical devices
• Pune. Auto electronics, industrial controls, power electronics, test & measurement equipment

HS Code Chapters 84, 85 & 90

Electronics exports primarily fall under three HS chapters. Correctly classifying your product is critical. It determines duty rates in destination markets, FTA eligibility, RoDTEP rates, and SCOMET applicability.

Key Destination Markets

Each major destination market has its own regulatory framework. Understanding these requirements before production prevents costly redesigns and shipment delays.

FCC Certification (US Market)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all electronic devices that emit radio frequency energy in the United States. Every electronic product sold in the US (from a simple LED driver to a 5G smartphone) must comply with FCC rules under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

FCC Authorization Types

FCC Testing Labs Recognized in India

Several A2LA/NVLAP-accredited labs in India can perform FCC pre-compliance and compliance testing, saving you the cost and time of shipping samples abroad. Notable labs include UL India (Bangalore), Bureau Veritas (Chennai), TUV Rheinland (Bangalore), and Intertek (Noida). For FCC ID applications, the final certification is issued by a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) such as UL, Intertek, or TUV.

CE Marking for Electronics

CE marking is mandatory for electronics sold in the European Economic Area (EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein). It indicates conformity with applicable EU directives. For electronics, the relevant directives are:

For most electronics products, CE marking is a self-declaration process. The manufacturer prepares a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), compiles a Technical File with test reports, risk assessments, and user manuals, and affixes the CE mark. However, radio equipment under RED may require a Notified Body assessment for certain frequency bands.

BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme for electronics products sold in India. While CRS is primarily a domestic market requirement, it has significant implications for exporters:

• · Components used in export products (adapters, chargers, LED drivers, power banks) that are sourced domestically must carry BIS CRS registration
• · If you sell the same product domestically and for export, domestic units need CRS while export units may not
• · Foreign buyers importing Indian electronics back into India (re-imports, returns) will face CRS requirements

CRS-Regulated Electronics Categories

Over 60 electronic product categories are currently under CRS, including: mobile phone chargers and adapters, power banks, LED lamps and luminaires, set-top boxes, smart watches, wireless keyboards and mice, CCTV cameras, printers, scanners, smart speakers, projectors, and microwave ovens. The list is continuously expanding through MeitY notifications.

For a detailed guide on the CRS registration process, testing labs, costs, and timelines, see our BIS Certification Guide.

RoHS Compliance

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (EU RoHS, Directive 2011/65/EU as amended by Delegated Directive 2015/863/EU) restricts the use of ten hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance is mandatory for all electronics sold in the EU, and many other markets have adopted similar regulations.

Restricted Substances & Maximum Limits

Key Exemptions for Electronics

RoHS allows specific exemptions where technically unavoidable, listed in Annex III and IV. Common electronics exemptions include lead in high-melting-point solders (>85% lead), lead in server/storage/network equipment solders (until 2025, with renewal applications under review), mercury in certain fluorescent lamp types, and lead in certain ceramics for capacitors. Exemptions have expiry dates and must be tracked.

WEEE Regulations & Extended Producer Responsibility

The EU WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) places the responsibility for end-of-life collection, recycling, and recovery of electronic waste on the producer who places the product on the market. For Indian exporters selling into the EU, this means:

• · Register with a WEEE compliance scheme in each EU member state where you sell. Most exporters use a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to handle this.
• · Pay recycling fees based on the weight and category of products placed on the market. Fees vary by country and product category (typically EUR 0.01. 0.50 per kg).
• · Mark products with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol (indicating separate collection).
• · Report annually on quantities placed on market and collection/recycling data.

Similar EPR obligations exist in the UK (UK WEEE Regulations), Japan (Home Appliance Recycling Law), and increasingly in other markets. India's own E-Waste Management Rules 2022 impose EPR obligations on domestic producers with collection targets increasing annually.

PLI Scheme for Electronics Manufacturing

India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been the primary driver of electronics export growth. Multiple PLI sub-schemes target different segments of the electronics value chain:

Key PLI Beneficiaries

Major companies under the electronics PLI schemes include Samsung, Foxconn (Hon Hai), Pegatron, Tata Electronics (formerly Wistron India), Dixon Technologies, Lava International, Padget Electronics (Dell), MiTAC (for servers), and Bhagwati Products (Micromax). These companies have committed combined investments of over INR 50,000 crore and are driving India's emergence as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

Dual-Use & Export Controls

Certain electronics products and technologies are classified as dual-use. Having both civilian and military applications. India regulates these exports through the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) list maintained by DGFT, aligning with international regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement.

SCOMET Categories for Electronics

Encryption Controls

Products with encryption capabilities face additional scrutiny. Under SCOMET Category 5 Part 2, encryption products exceeding certain key lengths require DGFT authorization for export to specific destinations. Common products affected include network routers with VPN, enterprise firewalls, hardware security modules (HSMs), and encrypted storage devices. Mass-market encryption products (smartphones, consumer laptops) generally have a Note exception, but this must be verified on a product-by-product basis.

E-Waste Regulations in Destination Markets

Beyond the EU WEEE framework (covered in Section 8), several other destination markets have their own e-waste regulations that Indian exporters must navigate:

• · USA: No federal e-waste law, but 25+ states have their own regulations. California's SB20 (Electronic Waste Recycling Act) charges advance recycling fees on monitors and TVs. Responsible Recycling (R2) and e-Stewards certifications are increasingly expected by US buyers.
• · Japan: The Home Appliance Recycling Law covers TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners. The Small Home Appliance Recycling Act covers small electronics. Consumers pay recycling fees at disposal.
• · UAE: The Extended Producer Responsibility framework is being developed. Dubai's Municipality has existing e-waste collection regulations. Exporters should monitor developments.
• · India (for domestic sales): The E-Waste Management Rules 2022 impose EPR obligations with annual collection targets (60% in 2023-24, increasing to 80% by 2026-27). EPR registration is mandatory through the CPCB portal.

FTA & ITA Benefits for Electronics

Electronics exporters benefit significantly from trade agreements. The most impactful is the WTO Information Technology Agreement, which provides zero-duty access to major markets without requiring a bilateral FTA.

WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA)

The ITA (1996) and its expansion ITA-2 (2015) eliminate tariffs on a wide range of IT and electronics products across 82 participating countries. India is a signatory to the original ITA. Key covered products include:

• · Computers and peripherals (HS 8471)
• · Semiconductors and integrated circuits (HS 8541, 8542)
• · Telecom equipment (HS 8517 subset)
• · Parts of computers and telecom (HS 8473, 8529)
• · Software on physical media
• · Scientific and measuring instruments (HS 9030 subset)

Bilateral & Regional FTAs

Use the FTA duty calculator to check applicable preferential rates for your specific HS code and destination. For guidance on obtaining certificates of origin, see our Certificate of Origin guide.

Export Incentives for Electronics

Indian electronics exporters can access multiple government incentive schemes to improve competitiveness:

RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes)

RoDTEP refunds embedded central, state, and local duties/taxes that are not rebated through other mechanisms. Electronics products are covered at rates ranging from 0.5% to 4.3% of FOB value, depending on the specific HS code. RoDTEP scrips are issued as duty credits in the exporter's ICEGATE account and can be used to pay customs duty on imports or transferred to other importers.

SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors)

SPECS provides a 25% capital subsidy on investment in plant, machinery, equipment, and technology for manufacturing electronic components and semiconductors. Eligible products include semiconductor devices, PCBs, display panels, LED chips, sensors, and passive components. Minimum investment threshold is INR 1 crore for MSMEs and INR 5 crore for others.

EMC 2.0 (Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters)

EMC 2.0 supports the creation of infrastructure for electronics manufacturing, providing financial assistance for common facilities, testing labs, warehousing, and effluent treatment plants within designated electronics clusters. This is particularly relevant for PCB manufacturers and component suppliers building new facilities.

Other Incentive Mechanisms

• · Interest Subvention: 3% on pre-shipment and 2% on post-shipment rupee export credit for electronics exporters (5% for MSMEs). Available through scheduled commercial banks.
• · Duty-free imports under Advance Authorization: Import inputs duty-free against specific export obligations. Common for electronics manufacturers importing ICs, displays, batteries, and other components for assembly and re-export.
• · SEZ / EOU benefits: 100% duty-free import of capital goods and raw materials, no GST on procurements, and simplified customs procedures. Many large electronics exporters (Foxconn, Samsung) operate from SEZs.
• · ECGC credit insurance: Subsidized export credit insurance covering commercial and political risks. Important for electronics exporters dealing with new buyers in emerging markets.

Electronics Export Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your electronics exports are fully compliant. Requirements vary by product and destination market.

Pre-Export Setup

• IEC (Import Export Code) obtained from DGFT
• RCMC from relevant Export Promotion Council (ELCINA, EEPC, or MAIT)
• AD Code registered with customs at port of export
• HS code classification verified at 8-digit ITC-HS level
• SCOMET screening completed. Product checked against dual-use lists

Product Compliance

• FCC certification (FCC ID or SDoC) obtained for US-bound shipments
• CE marking with DoC and Technical File prepared for EU market
• UKCA marking for UK market (or valid CE acceptance period confirmed)
• RoHS compliance tested and Declaration of Conformity prepared
• WEEE registration and crossed-out wheelie bin marking for EU sales
• BIS CRS for domestic-use components in the supply chain
• Destination-specific certifications (ECAS for UAE, PSE for Japan, etc.)

Documentation & Incentives

• Certificate of Origin obtained for FTA-eligible shipments
• RoDTEP claim filed through ICEGATE with correct HS code
• PLI scheme compliance. Incremental sales reported quarterly
• Shipping bill filed with LEO (Let Export Order) obtained
• EDPMS entry auto-created. Bank realization tracked within 9 months
• Product labelling compliant with destination country requirements (language, warnings, recycling symbols)
• EU Authorized Representative appointed and details on product labelling

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications do I need to export electronics from India to the USA?

For the US market, you need FCC certification (FCC ID for wireless/radio devices, or SDoC for non-radio electronics). Additionally, UL or ETL safety certification is expected by most US buyers and retailers. Products must also comply with California Proposition 65 for hazardous substance warnings. Medical electronic devices require FDA 510(k) clearance or PMA approval.

Is BIS CRS required for electronics that are only for export?

No, BIS CRS is a domestic market requirement. Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt. However, CRS-regulated components (adapters, chargers, LED drivers) sourced from domestic suppliers must carry BIS registration. If you operate from an SEZ or EOU for export-only production, you are fully exempt from CRS requirements.

How does RoHS compliance work for Indian electronics exporters?

EU RoHS restricts 10 substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, and 4 phthalates) in EEE. You must test materials and components through accredited labs, maintain a Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation, and ensure your supply chain is fully RoHS-compliant. India's own E-Waste Management Rules have similar provisions, so a single compliant production line can serve both markets.

What PLI scheme benefits can Indian electronics exporters claim?

The LSEM PLI offers 4. 6% on incremental mobile phone sales, IT Hardware PLI offers 1. 4% on laptops/tablets, and the Components PLI offers 3. 5% on PCBs, displays, and other components. Export sales count fully toward the incremental sales calculation. Separately, the Semiconductor PLI offers up to 50% capital subsidy for fab and OSAT facilities. Contact MeitY for current application windows.

Which HS codes apply to electronics exports from India?

Electronics fall primarily under HS Chapters 84 (computers, machinery), 85 (electrical/electronic equipment), and 90 (instruments, medical devices). Key lines include 8471 (computers), 8517 (phones), 8541/8542 (semiconductors/ICs), 8504 (power supplies), 8528 (monitors/TVs), 8534 (PCBs), and 9018 (medical devices). Use the 8-digit ITC-HS code on shipping bills for accurate duty/incentive calculation.

What are the dual-use export controls for electronics?

India's SCOMET list covers electronics under Category 3 (electronics), Category 4 (computers), and Category 5 (telecom and information security). High-performance computing equipment, encryption hardware, advanced signal processing, and night-vision technology require DGFT export licenses. Violations can lead to imprisonment up to 5 years. Screen every product against SCOMET before accepting orders.

Do electronics exports from India get zero duty under ITA?

Yes, the WTO Information Technology Agreement provides zero-duty access for many IT and electronics products across 82 participating countries. Covered products include computers, semiconductors, telecom equipment, and electronic components. Unlike FTA preferences, ITA duty elimination is applied on an MFN basis. No Certificate of Origin is required. Just ensure your product is correctly classified under an ITA-covered HS code.

What export incentives can Indian electronics exporters claim?

Key incentives include RoDTEP at 0.5. 4.3% of FOB value, SPECS with 25% capital subsidy on component manufacturing investment, Interest Subvention of 3. 5% on export credit, duty-free imports under Advance Authorization, and SEZ/EOU benefits (100% duty-free inputs, no GST on procurements). PLI incentives are additional and can be stacked with these schemes.

How do I handle WEEE compliance as an Indian exporter to the EU?

Register with a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) in each EU country where you sell. The PRO handles WEEE collection, recycling reporting, and fee payments on your behalf. Mark products with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol. Annual WEEE fees are based on weight and category of products placed on market. Pan-European compliance services can cover all 27 member states through a single registration.

Update history

• 2026-08-12 First published.